If you ever watch American Idol you will notice that Simon often chastises the singers’ on their song choice. The wrong song can ruin a performance even if a singer has a great voice. Monologues are no different. You might be a great actor, but if you choose the wrong monologue, the casting agents will still send you home packing. Conversely, if you are a mediocre actor but choose a great monologue, your talents will shine more brightly.
When choosing a monologue, keep these goals in mind:
- Pick a monologue and perform it in a way that shows your acting strengths. Go for a character that shows you can act. If in real life you happen to be a perky, young blonde don’t choose a monologue performed by a perky, young blonde character.
- Select a character who is the kind of role you enjoy playing. Never portray a character you think the audition audience wants to see. Casting directors rarely know exactly what they are looking for. They just know that they want to be wowed. You have a greater chance of impressing your audience by playing a role that interests you.
- Choose a monologue that shows your character trying to manage a vital conflict in his or her life. Your goal is to have your audience rooting for your character as if they were watching a full-length performance.
- Find a monologue that contains an unforeseen event that changes your character’s initial goal so he has more to react to.
